The Office Recap: “The Negotiation”

WARNING! The following contains spoilers for “The Negotiation”. If you haven’t seen it, just wait a few more hours and watch it on iTunes…it’s worth the 99 cents.

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a new episode of The Office, and after waiting this long I’m happy to report that “The Negotiation” left me satisfied and smiling (TWSS). There was a lot JAM packed into tonight’s episode (sorry I can’t help myself). I’m in the mood to talk all things Dunder Mifflin so get some caffeine in ya and let’s do this.

The long awaited Halpert-Anderson showdown finally came to a head when Roy confronted Jim inside Dunder Mifflin. Just as he was about to throw the first punch Dwight attacked him (and the rest of the office) with pepper spray. It was genius. It was a way to make a very heavy, not do funny moment hysterical. Roy never landed a punch and Jim’s face remains in tact, much to the joy of women all over this great country. But sadly Roy’s actions led to him being fired from Dunder Mifflin. No more Roy in the warehouse; despite everything it makes me sad. Roy was there from day one and knowing he isn’t going to be around bums me out. But I suppose he can’t go around trying to throw the smackdown on Michael’s #2 guy so that’s that! There were some definite ramifications from all these happenings, but let’s get back to that later.

With Roy’s dismissal Darryl decides to go to Michael for a raise. Michael being the diligent manager that he is properly prepares for his meeting with Darryl by studying up on Wikipedia’s tactics for negotiation. The tactics are probably good in theory, but they don’t work quite as well when being administered by Michael Scott. And to make matters worse, the salary negotiation gets sidetracked when Darryl notices Michael is wearing a woman’s suit. Classic! The office has a nice big laugh at Michael’s expense…and his shoulder pads and lack of back pockets. Michael isn’t convinced that he’s wearing a woman’s suit, nope, he thinks at the very least the suit is bisexual….ha! Steve Carell did what he does best which is find the vulnerability hidden below Michael’s asshattery, and I almost felt bad that he was wearing women’s clothing…almost. I mainly just laughed at him.

If Michael wasn’t feeling bad enough for cross dressing, he’s emasculated even more when it’s revealed that Darryl, the warehouse foreman, makes just slightly less in salary than Michael, and Michael’s been with Dunder Mifflin for 14 years. Ouch. But hey, women’s suit or not Michael takes Darryl’s advice to man up and ask – no demand – a raise from corporate…and his boss Jan…who is also his girlfriend, yeah you can see where this one’s going.

Darryl, Michael, and HR representative Toby pile in Darryl’s pickup and head to New York and the Dunder Mifflin Corporate offices. Despite all the black man catchphrases Darryl (makes up) arms Michael with things just don’t go smoothly. You know it’s not going well when within the first few minutes Michael is threatening to withhold sex from Jan in exchange for a raise. Meanwhile Toby is preparing for the ground breaking law suit which will inevitably follow. But when push comes to shove, Michael deserves a raise (ok he probably doesn’t, but it’s been a while) and an exasperated Jan concedes.

Here’s my two cents on Jan and Michael’s whack job of a relationship. The writers do a great job of every once in a while reminding us why Michael is still Regional Manager despite all his screw ups. He’s a good salesman, and sometimes even a really good boss (ok, not that often, but sometimes). If they didn’t remind us of that then it wouldn’t be believable that he could still work there as his actions should have gotten him fired years ago. I think I need that same kind of approach with Michael and Jan’s relationship. I need a little reminder why she is with him. I don’t feel any genuine affection between them. Hell, I don’t even get the feeling that Jan likes Michael – I might even go as far as to say she almost disdains him. I’d like a little reminder of why they are together and why we should be rooting for them as a couple. Am I the only on feeling this way?

Speaking of couples, it was a fun episode for my two favorite Dunder Mifflin couples: Ryan & Kelly and Dwight & Angela. The bible belter by day/kinky authoritarian by night, Miss Angela Martin reveled in hearing the tale of how Dwight took down Roy in the fight between good and evil. She liked hearing the story so much she asked everyone in the office to tell their version, all the while trying to keep her libido in check. But after listening to the story, and even going as far as stealing Toby’s HR documentation of the event, our little blondie couldn’t take it anymore and got it on with her man Dwight. The Angela Martin we know would not approve of making out in the office…what have you done to her Dwight, you stud?

Angela isn’t the only one that thinks Dwight is a bit of a stud. Jim Halpert was quite impressed that his arch nemesis stood up to Roy on his behalf. Jim tried repeatedly to thank Dwight, even going as far as buying him a glass case for his bobblehead, but Dwight will have none of it. He was doing his duty as a citizen and citizens don’t get rewarded for their heroics. No matter Jim’s approach at gratitude he was rebuffed at every turn. In the end Jim found a way to properly pay back Dwight, as Jim declares (to the camera) that despite witnessing their hot and heavy makeout session, Jim will never say a word about Dwangela to anyone else…now they are even. And let’s face it, for Jim, holding his tongue is the ultimate sacrifice.

Not holding their tongues were Kelly and Ryan. Nope, between the arguing and the make out sessions their tongues were being used quite well. Poor Toby has to sit next to the two of them, like his life at Dunder Mifflin doesn’t suck enough. As Toby says, “I don’t think Michael intended to punish me by putting Ryan back here with Kelly. But if he did…wow…that was genius.” Classic! Kelly and Ryan had some of the best lines of the night in their throwaway arguments that were heard in the background. First there was Ryan arguing with Kelly about her calling him in the middle of the night, to which she responded: “I only call you in the middle of the night to tell you that I love you” Ha!! And then the classic Kelly Kapoor line “What’s so wrong with wanting to name a baby Usher? Usher Jennifer Hudson Kapoor!” I don’t know if that was improvised or written, but I made the mistake of swilling some water seconds before and it ended up all over my couch.

Who would have guessed that Pam and Jim would have a more dysfunctional relationship that Dwight & Angela or Kelly & Ryan? But sadly it’s so. As I mentioned before, there was some fallout from the heated Roy and Jim exchange. Karen for one doesn’t know what to make of it or Jim’s reaction: “When I heard Jim and Pam had kissed, my reaction was to have a lot of long talks with Jim about our feelings. Roy just attacked him. I’m not sure which one Jim hated more.” Well let me tell you Karen, Jim hated talking about it more…much more. Jim hates talking about his feelings in general because it seems that every time he does it ends badly – either with the girl he loves breaking his heart, or the girl he wishes he could love talking his ear off for five nights straight.

But for some reason the women in Jim’s life always seem to want to talk. Unfortunately for Pam, Jim really doesn’t want to talk to her right now – especially about Roy. After a feeble attempt at trying to make light of what went down, Pam ends up apologizing for going back to Roy. But Jim’s heard it all before so you really can’t blame him when he’s not convinced that Pam truly is done with Roy. He even goes as far as to tell her that she and Roy have a strong connection and maybe one day they’ll get back together (ouch). Yeah. And I know a lot of people are pissed at Jim right now, but I’m not one of them. The way I see it, Jim was the one that gave it a shot last May, and it didn’t work out for him. But the thing is, it’s almost a year later and somehow he is still paying the price for his ill timed declaration of love. Because of it he’s lost his best friend, it’s become an ongoing issue in his current relationship and he still has Roy coming after him. I think Jim has lost all hope and he’s just sick of Pam being a negative force in his life which is made even worse by the fact that he still loves her. But here’s the other reason I didn’t mind the Jim/Pam break room scene tonight. I think it was another step leading up to the Jim/Pam brawl that we’ve been waiting for since the first episode of Season 3. These two need to finally…FINALLY talk about what went down on Casino Night (since they never have discussed it), and just put everything out on the table. I think when that happens Jim will be surprised (if that’s even the right word) to find out just how Pam feels about him. It’s going to happen. It has to. We’ve only got a few episodes left in this season, and I miss Jim and Pam.

And yeah, I hate Karen. I try to get in the mind set of those of you who like her, but I just can’t do it. She and Jim just don’t fit. She irks me. If you are a Karen fan, I’d love to hear your two cents on her talking head about her long talks with Jim, as well as the break room scene where she encouraged him to sell more paper so they can go on a vacation. I see that scene and it’s just shadowed by my dislike for her, and therefore she comes off as annoying and high maintenance. But if you’re a fan of Karen you might have seen it play out differently, and I honestly would like to hear from you.

So in the end Roy was fired. Escorted by building security he came back to the office one last time to retrieve his final paycheck. Obviously embarrassed by his actions, Roy apologizes to Jim for what went down, and tries one final time to talk to Pam. They agree to meet for coffee because there are some things he needs to say. Later the two meet and he once again apologizes for everything. And in an odd turn of events, its Roy that is the first person to confront Pam on why she’s not with Jim now. After acknowledging that Jim was part of (but not the only reason) she called off the wedding, Pam says she’s not with him because he has a girlfriend. Roy asks the obvious, “You’re not even going to try to go out with him?” Pam sadly shakes her head no as Roy becomes the voice of Office viewers around the globe: “I don’t get you Pam.” Yeah, tell us about it Roy. You’ve only dealt with this for a week buddy…try since last May. It’s been hard on us.

Despite all the drama involving yelling, pepper spray, babies named Usher and women’s suits we had a bright moment when in the end Andy Bernard returned to Dunder Mifflin from his anger management course. He’s a new and improved man (we’ll see). He proudly walked through the door of the office, greets his fellow employees and immediately gets sprayed in the eyes with pepper spray by Dwight. Ha ha…yeah, that’s how they do it in Dunder Mifflin. Once again Dwight saves the day. But he’s not hero. Hiro from “Heroes”, now he’s a hero…and Bono.

And with that I bid you good night. I make no apologies for this incredibly long recap. I’ve been without my Dunder Mifflinites for over a month, and I just wanted to bask in the glory of a new episode for as long as I possibly can. Until next week…may your Easter prayers be filled with well wishes for your friends and family, and if you could sneak in a few hail mary’s on behalf of Jim and Pam it would be greatly appreciated.

One final note. If the rumors are true, then tonight was David Denman’s last episode on The Office. This saddens me because I’m a big fan of David’s and I’m sad to see him go. On behalf of everyone here at Give Me My Remote, I just want to say THANK YOU David for making The Office the show that it is today. You’ve been there from the beginning and there is no way that the show would be where it is today without your contribution!! Best of luck, and I really do hope we see you in Dunder Mifflin at some point in the future….you will be missed!!

Comments

65 Responses to “The Office Recap: “The Negotiation””

Hilary on
April 5th, 2007 6:13 pm

Damn boyfriend.

Brian on
April 5th, 2007 6:40 pm

I’m that excited too!

Tessa on
April 5th, 2007 11:35 pm

I can not believe it…It’s almost like Jim’s mad at Pam…and here Roy is practically telling her to try and go for it with Jim and she’s all like…no….AAHHH It just makes me want to scream. It’s oh so frustrating.

Tess on
April 5th, 2007 11:36 pm

great episode tonight

MRS. JBK on
April 5th, 2007 11:37 pm

GMMR – I’m glad you didn’t apologize for writing a long recap. I also love looking at the episode through your eyes.

I agree with you on the Jan and Michael issue. We need to see something between them that hints they care about each other. Same thing goes for Pam and Jim. I personally think the writers have taken it too far. Without watching the S2 DVDs I can’t remember why I want Jim and Pam together. I’m not saying that I’m over JAM, but I find myself caring less and less about them. I am convinced there will be a payoff and this will all become a distant memory, but until that time, I’m kind of getting pissed.

David Denman will be missed. Just when I was getting to really start to like him they take him from the show. I for one think that Roy could have developed into a worthwhile character, even without Pam.

Fantastic recap. This was a classic episode…Michael in women’s clothing and the Wikipedia reference…ha!

Kim on
April 5th, 2007 11:40 pm

I am encouraged that Pam is done with Roy. I agree with your take on where Jim’s head is at. I am hoping that the season finale will have Pam and Jim settle things and finally get together. Their chemistry is a big part of the show.

I also loved the couple scenes tonight. Poor Toby.

amelia krasinski on
April 5th, 2007 11:45 pm

i always love your recaps! amazing; but as for it being david’s last episode… oddly enough i’m sad. i love david he’s so good as roy and roy just adds some “umph” to the show. so david, i love you and you’ve been around since the first episode… but the whole kelly and ryan thing was amazing, never thought i’d ever see them make out. usher jennifer hudson kapoor… YES! but the whole jam moment’s made me cringe a bit but they’re finally talking kinda to make things work… perhaps. and your whole thing about karen. she irks me too! i’m glad i’m not the only one… she just bothers the hell out of me! so thanks for the recap; it was a good night.

christy on
April 5th, 2007 11:49 pm

I loved tonights ep, it was very funny! Poor, Poor Toby…

I just can’t wait for Karen to get a clue. Why is she hanging on to a guy that is in love with someone else? I hope the writers change this by the end of the season so Jam can move forward!

Thanks for the super long post, its so much fun to read other peoples takes on the episodes.

Christy –
Read TVGuide’s Q&A with Rashida (a link is on GMMR if you need help finding it). She made an interesting point about Jim and Karen’s relationship:

from Rashida:
“To the outside viewer it may be obvious because they want Pam and Jim together, but when you’re in it, it doesn’t play that way. Jim does like Karen, and it may be that she’s used to having a chilled-out type of relationship, that she’s realistic about things. I don’t know if she knows that she’s “doomed.”

dada95835 on
April 6th, 2007 12:03 am

Great recap, thanks for writing a long one!

Sarah on
April 6th, 2007 12:40 am

Awesome recap. Oh, and Kelly’s line about baby names had me in hysterics, but you missed a crucial part! Not only does she want to name her baby Usher, I believe its full name is to be “Usher Jennifer Hudson Kapoor.”

Lauren on
April 6th, 2007 1:09 am

GMMR! I am 5 hours behind right now (in hawaii on vacation), and was so bummed I couldn’t play on buddytv tonight especially given how long the wait for this episode was! That being said, it was A-MAZING!!!! I can’t even begin to talk about what my favorite parts were, but up there was Toby talking about the ground-breaking law suit he was taking notes for, the return of Andy, Jim discovering Dwangela, and Dwight reminding us all that Bono is a real hero. I just finished watching it, and I already want it again!

Oh, and Karen bugs me too. Its a little bit my love for Jam, but its also the fact that she is very obnoxious in stessing the fact that she IS jims girlfriend. Oh, and here’s what I think: Pam and Jim will somehow discover that they both know about Dwight and Angela and it will bring them together. Anyway, thank GOD for the return of The Office!

Jake on
April 6th, 2007 1:14 am

I think a lot of fans here are letting their impatience get the better of them. This is great writing. I’m a big JAM fan and I’m savoring every moment of the slow, agonizing build-up to Jim and Pam’s inevitable confrontation. It’s like smelling a delicious stew simmering on the stove all day and knowing it’ll be hours before you get to taste it. Believe me, it’s ALWAYS worth the wait!

As far as JAM moving forward, they are! At the beginning of this season, we saw Jim making major changes in his life–new job, new city, new girl. Now, we’re seeing Pam make strides in her personal development. Her self-esteem is building and she’s discovering who she really is. This is all completely realistic. It’s like they say, you can’t truly love someone else until you learn to love yourself. Pam needs to grow before she can connect with Jim. The final scene with Pam and Roy was a huge milestone in Pam’s life and, believe it or not, in Pam and Jim’s relationship. She may have told Roy she wasn’t going to go after Jim and the old Pam would have stuck with that. But Fancy New Beesley is absorbing it, analyzing it and will eventually use it to get what she wants.

I also like Karen. Always have. But I think the writers are starting to give us reasons NOT to like her. And reasons, aside from the fact that Jim’s not in love with her, why she and Jim will eventually split. Her smartass remark about “selling paper” was a sign that she’s frustrated that Jim isn’t completely focused on their relationship. I think the writers don’t want to make Pam the reason Karen and Jim split just as they showed that Jim wasn’t the real reason Pam and Roy broke up.

I don’t want Roy to leave! =((( After tonight, when i realized that this might be it for him, i couldn’t believe how much i have an attachment to his character. If ANY of them left, Roy included, i would be so depressed. And it’s true. I want Roy to stay. Sigh.

If he MUST go, though, this was the best exit the writers could have given him. It showed that he was sorry for all the trouble he caused. He made amends w/ Jim and w/ Pam. And, you’re right, GMMR: he voiced what the audience has been wondering/thinking for the longest time. It was nice to see the good side of Roy in the end. And even to see him push Pam to fight for Jim. He’s right, too: if she’s going to end their relationship/cancel their wedding b/c of Jim, then she sure as hell better try and win him over.

Overall, the episode was absolutely hilarious! I was not disappointed in the least! I’m just a little sad to see Roy go and i hope that this isn’t the last of him. I hope Roy pops up next season or so. That would make me happy =)

Oh, and about Karen? I like her, but more so independently from Jim. It’s not b/c i’m a huge Jim/Pam fan, but it’s b/c i think people would like her more if they saw her individually like we did at the beginning of the season. Anytime they focused on her character outside of the whole love triangle thing (ex: A Benihana Christmas w/ Pam), she was really likable and a lot of fun. Otherwise, not so much. I don’t know =/ I try to give her character the benefit of the doubt instead of hating her solely b/c of her relationship w/ Jim. She has the potential to be a funny, great character (not saying she isn’t a good character now), but it’s always over-shadowed by love triangle. I always look past that though.

Throughly enjoyed the episode, especially Jim’s face in the bathroom after he caught Dwight and Angela. I really liked how they juggled the humor and the romantic drama this week. Though the scene w/ Jim and Pam was kinda harsh to watch, I do think the way Jim is feeling is understandable. I just want to shake Pam into a reaction sometimes!

One question, since it’s been a loooong time since the last new episode, and my crappy,archaric VCR ate the episodes I had recorded thus far, I’m curious if anyone knows if Karen’s TH is the first indication she realized Pam and Roy were previously engaged?

Jake on
April 6th, 2007 3:13 am

Kris, thanks, that’s nice of you to say! Please accept this virtual glass container for your desktop bobblehead as a sign of my appreciation.

Usher on
April 6th, 2007 3:20 am

Awesome recap. Here are my thoughts. 1.) The break room JAM scene was perfect. It was Jim’s opportunity to truly direct his frustration about Roy to Pam. All these years, he has suffered mostly silently, concealing his emotions in subtle jabs (“What, like your thoughts and feelings?”) and glances at the camera. He sat back and watched Roy take her for granted for years. In order for JAM to have a chance, he needs to get that frustration off his chest. In the end, she will respect him for it. 2.) The Pam/Roy scene at the end was also very well done. First of all, it started with Roy calling her “Pammy.” Bad move. But, more importantly, his “I don’t get you,” line was important because he NEVER got her. Pam knows that Jim may be the only person that ever gets her. 3.) Karen is great. She is playing this perfectly. She REALLY likes Jim. She is incredibly threatened by Pam. It is refreshing to see a character that beautiful AND insecure. She is really desperate now and Jim is basically aloof around her. She had to beg him to take her out. Her remark about the long conversations showed that she realizes that things aren’t perfect and they are not on the same wavelength. And finally, the vacation line was a serious test. Here is Jim, having a conversation with Karen about Dwight that he would normally love to have with Pam. Karen is not stupid. She knows that she will never be able to take Pam’s place in that regard, so she is going to stop trying. From the JAM point of view, Karen’s vacation remark was a rebuke of everything that makes Jim Halpert who he is. From her point of view, she was basically saying “Let’s get back to working on us.” Overall, I feel really sorry for her. I think any of us would act the same way in her situation. She is doing everything she can to keep the relationship going. 3.) I agree that the Jan/Michael dynamic is disconcerting, but I think it is consistent with the characters. Jan is completely messed up. Michael is a man-child. Jan has risen to her position by being professional and keeping her obviously volatile emotions in check. Michael will never understand how to be professional because he is incapable of internalizing emotions (like sadness, jealousy, or overwhelming joy). This would lead to an uncomfortable salary negotiation. In the end, I think that Jan showed great compassion by helping Michael get the maximum raise. 4.) Creed is so cool. 5.) Ryan and Kelly are the funniest couple on TV (only slightly funnier than Dwight and Angela. 6.) I have never been this excited about a TV show.

I am so saddened that YOUR final episodes are coming up. That was a magnificent recap.

I’m not Karen’s anti-fan, girl’s got great taste in clothes, she gets what she wants, etc. But last night she was annoying. “Go out with your awesome girlfriend!” “Sell more paper so we can take a trip!” She’s fine as an employee but turns out she’s a smarmy gf.

So I missed the very beginning (GAAHHH!) and the very end. This stuff better be on youtube or something soon.

Emma on
April 6th, 2007 7:16 am

Hmm I think I disagree re: Michael and Jan. I thought it was very sweet at the end how she bascially told him how to go about getting the raise she wanted. And I think a lot of Jan’s apparent distain comes from the fact that all their interaction is taking place at work, in front of cameras, and she’s the boss and wants to look in control.

I am in complete denial that David Denman could be off the show. I am a very spoiler-free sort, and consequently, it didn’t even occur to me until he and Pam parted ways outside outside of the restaurant. All of the sudden, it hit me: “WAIT, is he LEAVING? NO!!” I can understand that Roy has served his purpose on the show, and that, well, seeing as how he doesn’t work in the warehouse anymore… and it really is completely over between him and Pam… but… but… DAVID DENMAN!

Speaking of people whose possibly future absence from the show will be greeted by my denial at every turn, I’ve liked Karen from the start, against my will, even. I really have an almost irrational adoration of her. Not Karen-and-Jim, but Karen. But, even I found her behavior last night to be annoying, and I think we were supposed to feel that way. Because if I thought she was being annoying, Jim was certainly feeling annoyed with her. I think the way she’s reacting, though, is awfully realistic. I think she’s finally beginning to acknowledge that uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach that things just don’t seem to be working the way she wants them to with Jim. She’s finally starting to really get that things with Jim are not looking promising. In particular, her line in the kitchen of, “Why don’t you go sell some more paper so we can go on a trip?” was her way of saying, “Why in god’s name are you more concerned about your relationship with Dwight than your relationship with me? Why don’t you work at this relationship, for a change?” She’s insecure, because she’s finally getting that the relationship is really broken, and she’s acting out because of that.

(Yeah, that was…longer than I had intended. That’s what she said?)

Paula on
April 6th, 2007 7:27 am

Very well put, GMMR!

I can’t add anything……you summed it up perfectly. I guess the only thing I can say is that I am still kind of unsatisfied with JAM–which is what I’m supposed to be, I think. I like how Kris put it, (to paraphrase) with Jim working on himself this past year and now Pam has to work on herself in order to enter into a real relationship with Jim. I just want them to be together so badly–I want Pam to jump Jim, and admit to him how stupid she’s been and how perfect he is-then I want to watch them make out for 10 minutes. Is that too much to ask for? Well, apparently, I need to work on myself and develop some sort of patience. How does one go about doing that though?

I also loved Kelly and Ryan’s dialog–especially the Usher line!

Snow on
April 6th, 2007 7:45 am

I do find the Michael/Jan relationship believable. Jan has it together professionally, but personally she’s a mess! There are a lot of women like that. Who knows what Jan’s previous relationships were like. She might put up with Michael’s social ineptitude because — he might embarrass her but he’d never be mean to her or treat her badly, he’d never cheat on her, he desperately wants her and needs her seemingly more than she wants/needs him which gives her the illusion of having the power in the relationship, etc. It’s like they say with Michael and Dwight — If you don’t know a Michael or Dwight then you probably are a Michael or Dwight. If you don’t know a Jan, then may be you are a Jan!

Alyson on
April 6th, 2007 8:27 am

I agree that Karen was supposed to be annoying last night. While I’m not a Karen fan, I have always been able to see why Jim might like her, especially for what probably wasn’t supposed to be a really serious relationship (at least in the beginning). I am think back to ABC, when Jim told Michael, he’d just had a rebound, but he’d always be thinking about the girl who broke his heart. I think Karen was supposed to be that rebound, a fun diversion. And she was fun in Stamford and sometimes in Scranton. That said, she was extremely annoying last night…upon realizing that Jim might care more about his relationship with Dwight — that weird love-hate they have — than his relationship with her.

Also, I was glad Roy and Pam were able to clear the air on their relationship and Roy could go out a decent guy. Loved the line where Pam said she knew Roy didn’t understand her. I wish Roy would have pushed her towards Jim a little, but as someone else said, I think it will get FNB thinking. My fingers are crossed that the ball is rolling….

Only last thing: I love Darryl episodes. He and Michael play off each other extremely well.

Clare on
April 6th, 2007 8:43 am

Morning my Office peeps!

GMMR, another amazing recap as usual. And speaking of the usual, another hot and old episode of The Office for me.

Jim and Pam. Wow. I’m glad so many of you were encouraged by what you saw last night. I am as heartbroken as ever. Man I gotta get off this ride.

I watched the funny stuff before I went to bed last night. Yeah, I sort of have to watch it as two shows, can’t flip back and forth between angst and funny very well. And the rest was VERY funny.

– Angela getting all turned on by Dwight’s heroism was possibly my favorite storyline of the whole season. She was amazing.

– Darryl and his camera phone were killing me. Making fun of Michael on the phone right there is his office “…yeah, 14 years … heh heh heh” And e-mailing pictures of his suit around was great.

– Andy!! Welcome back dude let the singing begin!!

– So sad to see Roy go actually. He was a bigger man than Jim last night (not the fighting part, but what came after). I applaud David Denman and wish him every success!!

– Baby Usher…..oh Kelly

Meagan on
April 6th, 2007 8:44 am

Thanks for the recap. I saw the show, but reading about it always makes me happy.

What I think makes me dislike the Michael/Jan scenario is that Michael just seems to want to be in love. It doesn’t matter who it’s with. He’s just way over the top. He’s the type of guy that I refuse to date because he moves wayyy too fast and to me it doesn’t seem genuine.

Merrie on
April 6th, 2007 8:46 am

Thank you so much for such a great recap! I wasn’t unable to watch the show last night and my husband promised he’d set Tivo for me and — guess what? — he recorded the wrong thing! Luckily, put marriage is strong enough to survive this … plus I can download the episode from iTunes.

They way I see it, there is no *real* romantic connection between the two of them. Jan is simply using Michael to fill a void her life, and it’s really quite sad. Poor Michael really does just want to be a good boyfriend and show Jan love. Jan, on the hand, is pulling him along, dragging him through the mud & her messed-up head. Remember in “Cocktails” when Michael suddenly has a moment of concerned realization and says “There’s something wrong with Jan”? While I would love Michael to realize he’s being used and break it off with Jan, he won’t because he’s too nice of a guy! He’s not going to leave Jan’s side if he thinks she needs his help. And Jan definitely needs help, but she’s looking for it in all the wrong places…. Anyway, there’s my rant…

Terry on
April 6th, 2007 9:51 am

Re: Michael and Jan’s relationship, it’s because Jan has self-destructive tendencies. She spends so much of her life doing what’s supposed to be right that she gets a huge thrill doing what’s supposed to be wrong. That’s why she gets a thrill out of being with Michael, who’s not just colossally wrong for her but her subordinate, so she’s being even more naughty that way.

This also explains why she had such an awkward time at the cocktail party: bringing the relationship out into the open takes away all the fun.

Terry on
April 6th, 2007 10:20 am

As for Karen, I like her (not necessarily more than Pam) because she’s charming, sweet, and witty, and she keeps Jim on his toes. I forget the exact context of the scene last night, but when she said “go sell more paper so we can go on vacation,” she wasn’t saying “buy me things,” she was telling him that sitting around wondering and worrying isn’t going to get him anywhere, so he should just put his head down and get back to work. but saying it that way comes off as a little sanctimonious, so she made a little joke of it and said he should get back to work so he can take her on vacation. it’s subtle, but it’s sweet and charming. she’s a cutie.

Eric on
April 6th, 2007 10:45 am

I love during Ryan and Kelly’s initial arguement when Kelly says something like “You only call me when you think someone is in your house trying to murder you”

Carli on
April 6th, 2007 11:07 am

Kelly and Ryan were hilarious tonight and I missed so many extra comments because I’d be laughing at the first part of the joke. Like I missed the Jennifer Hudson part, because I started laughing at Usher.

They really need to speed up this Jam reunion. It has now gotten to the point that I cringe at their scenes; it’s just so hard to watch. I feel Pam getting more and more brave and assertive, though so I feel it’s coming very soon and I could not be happier.

Michael and his woman’s suit, or bisexual (LOL) as he called it was hilarious. Loved when he bent over to show his no pockets in the back.

Another part I loved was when Roy came back in to get his check from Angela. Oscar stepped in front of her as if to protect her from Roy. I just thought it was really cute and awesome of him to do that.

Jordan on
April 6th, 2007 11:38 am

Ok, first of all, GMMR, I loved reading your recap. It was great. Also, I’ve loved reading all of these delightful comments, too! I think that the “Kapoor” part of Kelly’s ideas for baby names is the funniest part. The baby would take her surname?! Ryan says something like, “That doesn’t even make sense.” Brilliant. Also, brilliant: Toby. All of Toby’s lines/scenes/looks were terrific last night. Next, I agree with the somewhat general concensus that Karen is great by herself, but not with Jim. The Karen from earlier episodes is really fun, but now she’s just a weight on Jim’s shoulders.
I was thinking: In the scene where Jim is talking to Karen about Dwight and she makes the “sell paper/vacation” comment, I don’t really think she was telling Jim to focus on their relationship. I think she was just plain unhelpful to Jim and was kind of being the ‘un-Pam'; he was trying to figure out how to legitimately thank Dwight and first Karen simply pointed out that he’s probably feeling guilty for all of his pranks. While that’s true, she was also criticizing a huge part of Jim’s personality while not offering any guidance about how to deal with it, or how to thank Dwight for his extremely important help. Pam, for example, might have suggested a way for Jim to prank Dwight with something good as a way to say thanks, instead of a usual mean prank.
The break room scene with Jim and Pam was a little painful, actually a lot painful. But I understand Jim’s frustration and his honesty, though painful, was refreshing. We have to trust the writers on this! They’ve never steered us wrong before.
Ok…yay for a great episode!!

Jordan on
April 6th, 2007 11:38 am

Ok, first of all, GMMR, I loved reading your recap. It was great. Also, I’ve loved reading all of these delightful comments, too! I think that the “Kapoor” part of Kelly’s ideas for baby names is the funniest part. The baby would take her surname?! Ryan says something like, “That doesn’t even make sense.” Brilliant. Also, brilliant: Toby. All of Toby’s lines/scenes/looks were terrific last night. Next, I agree with the somewhat general concensus that Karen is great by herself, but not with Jim. The Karen from earlier episodes is really fun, but now she’s just a weight on Jim’s shoulders.
I was thinking: In the scene where Jim is talking to Karen about Dwight and she makes the “sell paper/vacation” comment, I don’t really think she was telling Jim to focus on their relationship. I think she was just plain unhelpful to Jim and was kind of being the ‘un-Pam'; he was trying to figure out how to legitimately thank Dwight and first Karen simply pointed out that he’s probably feeling guilty for all of his pranks. While that’s true, she was also criticizing a huge part of Jim’s personality while not offering any guidance about how to deal with it, or how to thank Dwight for his extremely important help. Pam, for example, might have suggested a way for Jim to prank Dwight with something good as a way to say thanks, instead of a usual mean prank.
The break room scene with Jim and Pam was a little painful, actually a lot painful. But I understand Jim’s frustration and his honesty, though painful, was refreshing. We have to trust the writers on this! They’ve never steered us wrong before. Also, Dwight and Angela, together and separately, were fabulous!!
Ok…yay for a great episode!!

Jordan on
April 6th, 2007 11:41 am

Sorry about the double comment!!

Jacqui on
April 6th, 2007 11:47 am

If you look at IMDB it says that “Roy”/David is in “Safety Training,” the next episode- could it be a flashback or is Roy going to make another appearance??? I am so curious!! It doesn’t have any other episodes listed after Safety Training, though… we’ll see.
Check it out…http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0219292/

CrazyGringa on
April 6th, 2007 11:56 am

I totally agree with everything you said GMMR. I try to like Karen, I really do. But something about the girl just bugs me. I don’t know what it is. Maybe its the fact that although we say that if we were in her shoes we’d be doing the same thing, I don’t think I would be doing the same thing. I’m sorry but if I knew that my man had feelings for someone else, I would be out the door so fast. I mean, I want someone who is into me, not someone else.

All-in-all, last night was a GREAT show! I loved all of the comedic elements as well as the JAM elements. I must admit that the scene in the break room really did crush my heart. I think Jim has kind of lost respect for Pam for ever getting back with Roy. I just can’t wait till they (Jim/Pam) have a cage-match in the PLoD which would lead to some good Jamming!

Oh, and I guess Kevin does still have Jim’s back….even if he is a little late with the backup!

CrazyGringa on
April 6th, 2007 12:31 pm

Oh also, what was up with Halpert’s hair last night? I mean I know it’s been like that for a little bit (Cockails) so did we ever find anything out about “Wig-gate”?

GMMR on your set visit, did you find out if it was a wig or just a bad haircut that he probably got for Leatherheads? Sorry if you posted something about it already and I missed it. He’s still a hottie despite the wierd hair the past couple of eppys.

My assumption was that Kelly wanted to follow in Angelina Jolie’s footsteps and have a stable of little babies with her last name.

Angela on
April 6th, 2007 12:58 pm

GMMR, I loved your recap…I’m pretty new to this website, and I love it, and I love the Office. I loved the episode last night, but felt very sad for Pam and Jim. I just want them to be friends again, and maybe more someday. I have confidence in the writers that the outcome of all this will be good. The scene in the breakroom broke my heart, but it was excellent! Can’t wait until next week!

Maureen on
April 6th, 2007 12:59 pm

Kelly and Ryan are probably the most hilarious couple ever… after Dwangela.

Michael/Jan… I think that we can’t really base their relationshop on what we see. I mean, how would you react if your subordinate came in and threatened to withhold sex for a raise, even if he is your boyfriend. It’s completely unprofessional – of course Jan is going to be annoyed. It doesn’t mean she doesn’t like him.

Remember the end of Cocktails? That was a very nice scene for Michael and Jan.

And finally, Karen. I feel bad for Karen. She’s gotten involved with a guy who can never love her, and how is that her fault?

Amy on
April 6th, 2007 1:46 pm

It’s been great to read your recap and all of these comments! I also have to give a nod to Creed. For me, he had the best lines of the night. Things are moving so slowly on the Jam front, but at least there is progress. I thought Pam’s “I know” to Roy was telling. Now at least she can openly acknowledge her timidity when it comes to Jim. I think she will continue taking baby steps toward asking for what she wants. So that gives me hope! I keep imagining the season finale will have some interaction between Jim and Pam that is sort of the reverse of Casino Night, where it’s Pam’s turn to lay it all on the line. Maybe not, and I don’t necessarily think he would be ready to sweep her up into his arms by then. But a gal can dream.

Mary on
April 6th, 2007 1:49 pm

Where do I start? Dwangela, Relly, JAM, Ram, MJan. All so funny.

I think that my husband hit it on the head. Jim is going to realize that Karen doesn’t really care about him, just that he cares about what she cares about, at that is Karen.

I think I am at a point that even as a devoted JAMmer, I don’t care if they don’t get together this season, I just want them to be friends again. The show seems so empty with out the laughter and pranks. It almost feels dramatic, you know?

Hilary on
April 6th, 2007 1:50 pm

I hate seeing David go. Makes me sad.

I love the theory that this is the turnignpoint for the fight we all want. I’ve been begging for a fight. Now I have a good outlook for the rest of the season.

Jaime on
April 6th, 2007 2:05 pm

Okay, so I’ve got a question. How loud did you squee when Jim said he got Dwight a display case for his bobblehead?! That was the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard. I think I may have fallen in love with Dwim all over again.

That was probably the best episode of season 3. HILARIOUS. But I’m so sad to see David go I never minded Roy, as long as he wasn’t in the way of Jam. And now that it’s KAREN in the way of Jam, I especially don’t mind Roy.

Lisa on
April 6th, 2007 2:54 pm

I feel like Jim and Pam’s friendship is like over. They hardly talk and it’s been sad watching them lately. Hopefully things will get better. They have to.

Great scenes between Ryan and Kelly though. Great! I love what Toby has to say about it too.

Lola on
April 6th, 2007 3:54 pm

yeah lisa i agree. i feel like their friendship died a long time ago………

KC on
April 6th, 2007 4:34 pm

I love Michael and Jan together and while on the surface it appears Jan hates him, we get glimpses now and then that she really does care about him and doesn’t want to see him hurt. Remember the car scene in Cocktails? Jan immediately regretted what she said when she saw how much it hurt Michael. If she didn’t care about him, she would have just broken up with him then and there.

And her words to Michael about deserving “some kind of happiness” makes me think that he makes her happy. Besides, how could anyone put up with Michael unless they truly cared about him? Ok maybe she’s filled with self loathing and self destructive tendencies, but underneath it all she wants the same things Michael does. And I think they are equally nutty and socially impaired in their own very different ways… a perfect match for one another, IMHO.

At any rate, they are hilarious together–and very passionate in their interactions, which is more than I can say for a certain other couple on the show.

jenn on
April 6th, 2007 5:44 pm

AT LAST! That hiatus was WAY too long, but it was worth the wait! What a great episode! I was laughing so loud I scared the cat.

Just wanted to say that I cannot understand what Karen is doing with Jim? What I mean is, she knows he has feelings for Pam, but still she stays with him. I don’t get it. I couldn’t do that–feeling second best is not good enough.

I loved the closure with Pam/Roy but am sorry to see him go! It was brilliant when Roy said “I don’t get you, Pam” and she said “I know”. Of course, WE know that she knows now that he NEVER got her the way Jim does.

This whole dragging out the Jim/Pam thing is exhausting. It’s painful to see them together. I miss the flirty glances and pranks. I hope they don’t get together in the last episode. It’s too much angst for us all!

Finally, Dwight is the hero. No, maybe Hiro. Or Bono.

Now were even steven!

Kelso on
April 6th, 2007 6:16 pm

Yeah I can’t stand Karen either. She annoys the crap out of me with her stuck up, high maintenence comments. Overall I didn’t really like this episode. I liked that the writers could make me feel like I was really there and really feel for Pam, but i felt like the episode was hyped up too much. The funny moments were VERY funny though. I liked that, but the emotional scenes were a little too emotional for me.

jenn on
April 6th, 2007 7:58 pm

AT LAST! That hiatus was WAY too long, but it was worth the wait! What a great episode! I was laughing so loud I scared the cat.

Just wanted to say that I cannot understand what Karen is doing with Jim? What I mean is, she knows he has feelings for Pam, but still she stays with him. I don’t get it. I couldn’t do that–feeling second best is not good enough.

I loved the closure with Pam/Roy but am sorry to see him go! It was brilliant when Roy said “I don’t get you, Pam” and she said “I know”. Of course, WE know that she knows now that he NEVER got her the way Jim does.

This whole dragging out the Jim/Pam thing is exhausting. It’s painful to see them together. I miss the flirty glances and pranks. I hope they don’t get together in the last episode. It’s too much angst for us all!

Finally, Dwight is the hero. No, maybe Hiro. Or Bono.

Now we’re even steven!

Lauren on
April 6th, 2007 8:03 pm

Just wanted to say YAY for this website and all the intelligent things people have to say about The Office! I used to frequent the imdb boards but everyone just bitches on those…and here people disagree on somethings but everyone is still ultimately a huge fan! Hooray!

jenn on
April 6th, 2007 8:06 pm

sorry about the double post-don’t know why it happened!!!

Jake on
April 6th, 2007 9:24 pm

I just gotta throw out some props to Paul Lieberstein for bringing Toby to life. His “sad eyes” are perfect for the character and he’s got to be one of the best doormats ever on TV. Just cracks me up.

And Jenna. As great as she is with comedy, she’s equally amazing being emotional and sad. Remember her shocked look when she first realized that Jim and Karen were together? Last night, the deep sorrow on her face when she apologized to Jim was so believable. And heart-wrenching. Just an awesome job.

Lisa (aka lmr722) on
April 7th, 2007 10:48 am

I’m late this week reading your recap, GMMR, but it was extra awesome.

Not much to add but I will vote that I have had an irrational dislike for Karen since the get-go. Could this have something to do with the fact that Rashida dated JKras in real life? As I said, it’s historically been irrational and so was glad that she was giving me some rational reasons this week

As for Michael/Jan. I think she’s legitimately drawn to the child in Michael. Plus he wants the picket fence, tickling, etc., and I think she does too!

cam3150 on
April 7th, 2007 2:03 pm

I loved this episode!! GMMR, I your review was pitch perfect, as usual.

The whole episode was so hilarious, there really was no bad moment. Everybody (except Meredith) got to shine, Michael was just right (not too annoying and not too pitiful), all the couples were so funny, Toby was awesome, Dwight was a hero, Andy’s back, and we got to see Darryl and Michael interact. Too, too good. Besides Traveling Salesman, this is the funniest episode this season.

I agree that Karen is being portrayed as less and less compatible with Jim. Her whole, “awesome girlfriend” thing was ridiculous. I loved Jim’s reaction, “Yes, exactly.” or whatever he said, clearly indicating that he’d rather watch a game than go out on a date with Karen.

Also, her comment in the kitchen about Jim needing to sell more paper, give me a break. You could see just a flash of annoyance on Jim’s face too. He has never once smiled at Karen the way he’s smiled at Pam so many times in the past. He is realizing that Karen’s just not the one for him

After seeing the promos of the “fight” between Jim & Roy, I was kind of excited to see some action there. I figured that FINALLY, everything was going to have to come out in the open. But, the way it was handled was sheer perfection! A fist fight would have been too dramatic for The Office and Dwight’s TH and his “Pam, call security!” were hilarious!! The perfect amount of drama and comedy, which is a signature of this show.

The scene in the breakroom (now referred to as the Breakroom of Despair, or BoD over at the TWOP forums) was so heartbreaking. Jim’s emotions were evident all over his face as he paused at the vending machine for a few seconds too long.

I am not on on the “Jim’s a jerk” train at all. Both he and Pam have made mistakes and have grown into more complex characters with more emotional depth because of them. If they’d gotten together a year ago, they would not have been on the same emotional footing. Now that Pam has lived a year in Jim’s Season 2 shoes, she has a much better understanding of what she (unintentionally) put him through.

I completely believe Jim’s anger was not really directed at Pam at all but at the fact that she had the nerve to get back together with Roy in the first place. Jim’s whole attitude towards her changed, and what little hope he was still hanging on to died, the second he saw her leave Phyllis’ wedding, hand in hand with Roy. If Pam and Roy had never reunited, the same “fight” scenario would have brought out a very different reaction in Jim. But, he’s heard it all before and his anger is a by-product of him trying to protect himself from more pain than anything else. If he didn’t still love her, if she wasn’t still in his heart, he would not have cared one way or the other about Roy coming after him. It’s a good sign that he’s mad. It means he cares.

I am so excited for the rest of the season because I believe that Jim and Pam have sunk as low as is possible for them. Jim’s never been mad at her before, not really. He’s never been mean to her like he was. This is the most disconnected that they’ve ever been. Things will have to start looking up for them now. I cannot wait for the next five episodes!!!

I say, bring on that fight that seems more and more likely!! That is what they need – a good, cleansing fight to clear the air so that they can start to heal and move forward….together, of course

GMMR, I am taking it on faith that Jim’s hair will be back to normal, as you said it would be on the TWOP forums. We all have faith in that because, seriously, his hair like it has been the last two episodes? It cannot go on like that. Not for one more second…

Tina (aka scorpiomom) on
April 7th, 2007 2:43 pm

GMMR, love your recaps and insight in general. I ADORE this show and live for Thursdays. I, too, believe the writers will give us some JAM goodness soon! But seriously, Jim’s hair is way too distracting and I hope you are correct about it getting better. It has bugged me since “Cocktails”!

Off topic: Am I the only one having problems with TWoP? I keep getting a “Forbidden” and a database error. It was fine last night. The problems started this morning.

BuyMeACoke on
April 7th, 2007 3:02 pm

I thought this was one of the best episodes ever. I laughed so hard that I suspect I also scared MY cat! If I had just taken a drink when Creed said “In a way you did”, I think I would have done a spit take. That, and Darryl laughing at Michael’s paystub and immediately grabbing his phone were such laugh out loud moments!

I loved all of the little storylines. Great Angela episode, great Toby episode, great Darryl episode, CLASSIC Michael episode, Kelly & Ryan – what can you say?

I have never liked Karen much, but she is getting on my last nerve. If she even has a clue about what makes Jim tick (I really doubt she does though), she certainly wants to change him and turn him into the boyfriend she wants him to be.

And Pam just broke my heart this week. That scene in the breakroom was so painful to watch, but I think it was necessary and will just be another scene that moves this story along. Pam & Jim were starting to regain their friendship, but since the wedding, Jim is just so pissed at Pam that he doesn’t seem to want to have anything to do with her. Unless I missed it, I don’t think they have shared so much as a glance with each other. And the conversation in the break room this week was their first I think – and Jim really wanted nothing to do with it. Did you notice him plaster the smile on his face before he turned to her?

The relationship has nowhere to go but “up” from this point.

noelle on
April 7th, 2007 4:37 pm

The way Jenna looked at Jim as he walked from the snack machine toward the breakroom door was devastating. So hopeful and sad. She’s really a wonderful actress. As for Karen, I haven’t been a fan mainly because she was such a blah character, and she made Jim boring. But now that she’s showing some life, I can tolerate her…as long as there’s hope she’ll be out of Jim’s life before too long.

mg714 on
April 9th, 2007 9:32 am

Is David Denman really not in the cast anymore? I don’t see why or how he would come back to Dunder-Mifflin, but I hate to see Roy or David himself leave the group. I’m happy to see Ed Helms back but I hate to see David gone when he’s been on the show since the beginning.

Otherwise, I loved the show and cannot wait to see what happens this week!

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